Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) is situated in Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, about 20 kilometers off the Cua Dai coast. It consists of eight islets set as an arc, very close together: Hon Lao, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon Tai, Hon Dai, Hon La, Hon Mo and Hon Ong, serve as a protective barrier for the ancient town. The area is renowned for its beauty, clean and vast biodiversity with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water.
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A part charming of Cu Lao Cham |
According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. The islands was more well-known when Hoi An - one of the most ancient cities of Southeast Asia has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999; the Cu Lao Cham Natural Reserve was set up in 2003 and the national sea reserve was found here in 2004 – the second island reserves in Vietnam. |
The first was the Mun Islet reserve in Khanh Hoa Province – established in 2001. However, the green Cu Lao Cham seem to really wake up as suddenly receive hundreds of visitors every day after UNESCO recognized the islands as a global biosphere reserve.
The reserve includes 165 hectares of coral reefs and 500 hectares of underwater plant life. They are also home to 947 aquatic species. The islands are also considered as one of the few places in Vietnam that still has a large area of vegetation and a wide range of rare and endangered animals. The protection of the environment and the natural habitat of rare and precious species of fauna and flora here are paid more and more special attentions.
Cu Lao Cham has still preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th – 20th century such as the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao.
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From Cua Dai coast, after about 20 minutes by hydrofoil or 25 to 30 minutes by high-speed canoe or if someone want to enjoy the enormous of the beautiful view from tourist boat, it will take about 60 to 90 minutes depend on the weather, travelers will reach Cu Lao Cham, where possess abundant in tourism potential. |
Bustling in Cu Lao Cham |
Various tourist activities are offered to meet almost all demands of tourists. Tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses... Travelers also have chances to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham is popular for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, cholonia’s eggs, birds’ nests…) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells…)